Tourism Min hopeful annual tourist arrivals will exceed 25 million

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is anticipating a tourist number of over 25 million for the whole year of 2014 while insisting that the martial law is not a burden to the tourism sector.

Tourism and Sports Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul revealed that the Cabinet has approved a tourism campaign for 2015 which will use the Thai way of life as the main selling point.

The campaign is expected to help present a new perspective on Thailand to the world and encourage foreign visitors to stay longer and spend more. It covers 12 not-to-be-missed destinations, such as Lampang, Phetchabun, Buri Ram, Chumphon, Ratchaburi and Trat provinces, in addition to 10 major cities like Hat Yai, Pattaya and Phuket.

The minister projected that the number of foreigners coming to Thailand throughout this year will reach 25-25.5 million persons. She admitted the figure is considered lower than 2013 by 1 million due to the political unrest in the country earlier in the year.

However, she confirmed that the enforcement of martial law has not caused a significant impact on Thai tourism, judging from the 6-percent increase in the number of advance bookings for this December compared to the same month last year.

Ahead of the New Year holiday, Ms Kobkarn invited the public to support Thai tourism by traveling within the country, adding that the ministry will arrange even more New Year activities for holidaymakers to enjoy than in previous years.